hoarse
Hoarse (adj) means having a rough, strained voice, often from shouting, a sore throat, or overuse. Example: “After the concert, her voice was hoarse from singing all night.”
How to use hoarse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a rough, raspy voice, usually caused by strain or illness.
Don't confuse with "horse" — they sound exactly alike but are unrelated in meaning.
Word forms
hoarser comparative, hoarsed past tense, hoarses singular, hoarsest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After the concert, her voice was _____ from singing all night.
Etymology
From Old English hās, related to Old Norse forms with the same meaning.
Rhymes for hoarse
See all rhymes for hoarse →Frequently asked questions
What does “hoarse” mean?
The word “hoarse” means having a rough, strained voice, often from shouting, a sore throat, or overuse. In plain terms, describes a rough, raspy voice, usually caused by strain or illness.
How do you pronounce “hoarse”?
“Hoarse” is pronounced haws (/hɔːs/ in IPA).
How do you use “hoarse” in a sentence?
Here is “hoarse” used in a sentence: “After the concert, her voice was hoarse from singing all night.”
What part of speech is “hoarse”?
“Hoarse” is an adjective.
Where does the word “hoarse” come from?
The word “hoarse” comes from Old English. From Old English hās, related to Old Norse forms with the same meaning.